Dallas Spraygrounds Offers Free Family-Friendly Fun

The oppressive summer heat can make it uncomfortable for children to play outside and public pools are becoming scarce due to budget and maintenance issues. Thankfully, the city maintains several free spray parks in neighborhoods throughout Dallas.

What is a spray park?
Spray parks, sometimes called spraygrounds or splash parks, have an interactive system of sprinklers. There is not a substantial amount of standing water. Instead, water sprays, streams, pours and bubbles up through a system of pipes and waterfalls. Spray parks do not present the same drowning hazard as swimming pools and are especially well suited for younger children.

Be aware that many public parks and spraygrounds do not have a restroom available. The recreation centers have public restrooms available during business hours.

Essential Spray Park Gear
Sunscreen and a cold beverage are absolute necessities when playing outside during the summer. (Like swimming pool water, the spray park water is not for drinking.) In addition to a swimsuit and towel, kids will need comfortable, water-safe shoes, such as sandals, with good traction to avoid falls. Younger children need swim diapers. A basic first aid kit with bandages and antiseptic is always a good idea for family outings. Water toys, such as sponges, cups and buckets, can boost the fun, but are not necessary.

Campbell Green Sprayground
6600 Parkhill Drive
This spray park is located near a traditional park and recreation center, providing more play options for kids of varying ages.
Campbell Green Sprayground Hours:
10 am to 8 pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday
2 pm to 8 pm Tuesday, Friday

Ferguson Sprayground
1919 Gross Road
This is one of only two Dallas spray parks with a modern ultraviolet light system to disinfect the water.
Ferguson Sprayground Hours:
10 pm to 8 pm Daily

Lake Highlands North Sprayground
9940 White Rock Trail
This popular sprayground boasts a shaded pavilion and an ultraviolet light disinfection system.
Lake Highlands North Sprayground Hours:
10 am to 8 pm Daily

Ridgewood Sprayground
6818 Fisher Road
In addition to a traditional park and recreation center, this colorful sprayground has a soft, padded floor and covered picnic area.
Ridgewood Sprayground Hours:
10 am to 8 pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday
2 pm to 8 pm Tuesday, Friday

Umphress Sprayground
7616 Umphress Road
Also located near a recreation center, this spray park offers access to a variety of family-friendly activities.
Umphress Sprayground Hours:
10 am to 8 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
2 pm to 8 pm Wednesday

Spraygrounds generally operate throughout the summer, but special circumstances, such as furlough days and maintenance, may alter the regular hours. Visit dallasparks.org the latest information regarding park hours.

Sources:
Dallas Park and Recreation Department 2010 Sprayground Schedule, DallasParks.org